TPL Teens

Reviewed by Richview Youth Advisory Group member Elisa

Kadence Mulligan and Lauren DeSanto are the newest music sensations; their Youtube videos have skyrocketed them to online stardom. Lauren is the writer, crafting lyrics and providing accompaniment to Kady’s melodic voice. But Lauren is brought down with a nasty case of food poisoning, and an even nastier throat infection, and her doctor forbids her from talking, singing and even playing guitar. Determined to keep their fans satisfied, Kady launches what was supposed to be a temporary solo career, but what has now eclipsed the original band. Even their fans have now dubbed themselves “Katy-dids.”

Several months later, Kady plays a show at the coffeeshop where Lauren works. The night was a complete success, but in the morning, Kady is nowhere to be found. At first, nothing seems to be wrong; Kady is an independent creature and has gone off on her own before. But never in late winter. And never without telling anyone. Suddenly, the most famous girl of Pine Grove, Minnesota is missing in action, and Lauren, the ex-best friend, finds herself in the middle of an investigation. To clear her name, she launches her own investigation about what really happened to Kadence that night.

Girl Last Seen is much more of a psychological thriller than it first appears to be. And although it’s a psychological thriller, everything it describes is in the realm of possibility, making it hit that much closer to home. It explores the ideas of friendships: old friends, new friends, and how our friends can change who we are. Or, more accurately, how our friends can manipulate who we are. As the book flip-flops between narrators, secrets are uncovered on every new page, prompting the reader to wonder which characters’ perspectives they can actually trust. The only fact they can count on is that not everything is as it seems. Anne Greenwood Brown and Heather Anastasiu have created a provocative, shocking teen thriller that will stay with you long after the covers have been closed and make you wonder “How well do I really know my best friend?”